Inquiry Based Teaching=SUCCESS

The first time I learned about Inquiry Based Teaching, I was CONFUSED. I didn't understand what I was supposed to be doing, how it worked and how I would go about teaching it. Not until I get a hands on experience with inquiry based teaching in the classroom did I understand what do. Ironic. Inquiry based teaching is great for students, especially in today's classroom. Not all students learn the same way therefore demonstrating, allowing students to figure the problem out on their own and working in small groups is a great way for students to learn. The classroom isn't so rigid anymore, which is a relief to me, as a teacher. I think hands on activities and getting to the root of the problem is interesting for the student and allows them to find a deeper meaning in what they are studying. Handouts are OUT! Hands on activities are IN! In my classroom I would try to have it inquiry based in all possible activities. Science is a great way to get students involved. I would like to take an issue in science, such as water clean up, and have the students investigate ways they could help to make our waters cleaner. I would want them to write a proposal and carry it out all the way until the teacher acts as a judge approving or disapproving their plan. Students need to have fun while learning and inquiry based learning is a great way to get students ready to learn!